Leadership Philosophy

Leadership Philosophy

Donna M. Helveston

NUR 400-5W1

Delaware Technical Community College

October 11, 2020

Leadership Philosophy

Leadership Philosophy

There are many definitions of leadership. The common theme among these definitions is

that leaders influence the attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and feelings of others (Curtis et al., 2011,

p. 306). The American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC) identifies five

leadership types in nursing: servant, transformational, democratic, authoritarian, and laissez-

faire. I do not simply fall into one of these five categories but have characteristics of each and

adapt depending on the situation. My personal ethics and values contribute to the way in which I

lead. I feel as though my personal leadership style is not exclusive to any one theory or style. But

encompasses aspects of several different theories. If I had to pick one theory to fit my style, it

would have to be collaborative leadership. Collaborative leadership focuses on teamwork, while

also recognizing that at times the leader must in fact lead on their own. (Finkelman, 2016.)

Whenever in a leadership role, I find it important to obtain input from all members of your team

and validate that each member’s opinion is just as important as the next, even if you do not

agree. This helps to foster good working relationships.

Interprofessional collaborative practice is defined as “a partnership between a team of

health professionals and a client in a participatory, collaborative and coordinated approach to

sound decision making around health and social issues” (Orchard et al., 2017). Literature shows

that instituting interprofessional collaborative has many benefits including decreases in medical

errors, shortened length of stays, decreases healthcare costs, reduced turnover rates, and

increased satisfaction among health professionals (Orchard et al., 2017). I will always strive to
Leadership Philosophy

collaborate with my team to use our knowledge and skills to reach the best outcome for our

patients.

I have always equated being a leader with holding a management position. However, I

have learned that the roles of the nurse leader and nurse manager do have some similarities,

while at the same time are vastly different. This is something that I did not realize until taking

this class. I always saw the two titles as interchangeable. I have learned that being in a

management position does not necessarily mean you are a leader. Managers obtain their

authority simply from their title or position. Leaders earn their authority through their ability to

influence others. (Finkelman, 2016.) Some of the qualities of leaders and managers seem to

overlap. However, they utilize those qualities in different ways. Communication, delegation, and

motivation are important skills for both the leader and manager. The manager uses these skills to

help their team plan, organize, and reach a preset goal. While the leader uses them to encourage

their team to challenge things and elicit change. After taking this course, it is apparent that not all

managers are good leaders, and not all leaders are good managers. I have learned that I do not

need to hold a specific title in order to be looked at as a leader. As I continue in my nursing

career, I will strive to use good communication, delegation, and motivational skills to become an

exceptional nurse leader, regardless of the title I hold.

Communication and delegation are skills that I need to work on. Especially as a float

nurse. I am constantly working with different people and need to adjust accordingly. I sometimes

tend to do work myself that could easily be delegated, just so that I know it is done. This can

come off as disrespectful and untrusting to my coworkers. I have begun to try to communicate

with the nurses and patient care techs I am working with at the beginning of the shift to clarify

what is expected of each of us. I feel this has helped to set the tone for the shift.
Leadership Philosophy

Lifelong learning is an imperative part of the nursing field, as well as everyday life. The

world is an ever-changing place. Nurses must stay on top of the latest innovations and evidence-

based practices, to provide our patients with the best care. Continuing education can also open

new doors and give us new options so that we never have to feel like we are stuck in the same

place. The nursing field is vast and there are so many different branches that can be explored. I

will continue to grow as a leader by staying on a path of lifelong learning. I can accomplish this

by completing the BSN program, taking continuing education courses, and learning from

everyday practice.

Change theory can be used to implement changes in nursing practice. It is imperative for

nursing leaders to learn and apply change theory in order to foster change. Kurt Lewin is a

pioneer in change theory and identifies three stages that must take place before a change

becomes part of a system. These three phases are unfreezing, moving, and refreezing (Mitchell,

2013). Nursing leaders in many institutions have used Lewin’s theory to implement change. One

example is the implementation of bedside shift report. The nurse as a leader plays an important

role in each step along the way. The first step is the unfreezing stage where current attitudes and

beliefs about bedside shift report are assessed and challenged. This can be done via committees

made up of nurses, surveys created by nurses, informational meetings, open forums, and

literature reviews. The next step is the moving stage when bedside shift report is introduced and

implemented. During this phase, the components of beside shift report and the process for

delivering it are determined. In-services are provided and nurses are given the opportunity to role

play to help make decisions about the process. The last step is known as the refreezing stage.

Bedside shift report becomes a part of the nurses' daily practice. Mandatory continuing education

is implemented, and annual performance competencies are used to maintain the practice. The
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nurses’ use of Lewin’s change theory to implement bedside shift report lead to quality

improvements in safety and both nursing and patient satisfaction. Evidence showed a direct

correlation between the initiation of bedside shift report and increased satisfaction in both nurses

and patients, validating the importance of the process (Vines et al., 2014).

Nurse led quality improvement is essential to make changes in nursing practice. This is

often done through collaboration between bedside nurses and formal leaders. Direct care nurses

often identify problems as they are at the frontline with the patients, they then develop and

implement improvements, while the formal leaders provide coaching, education, and remove

barriers for staff (Shafer, 2013). Nurse led changes in quality improvement may not happen

quickly but will have long lasting effects on the nursing culture.

Patient advocate is another important role that the nurse takes on. In order to be a good

nurse leader, you must be skilled in advocating for patients. Advocacy is comprised of two major

components providing the patient with useful information and supporting the patient’s decision

(Finkelman, 2016). As a nurse I always strive to educate my patients and make sure they are as

informed as possible about their conditions and treatments. In turn allowing them to make an

educated decision. Advocating can sometimes be difficult if you don’t agree with a patient’s

decision. However, you must learn to put your personal feelings aside, and support the decisions

they make. Sometimes you must advocate for the patient with the doctor and/or the patient’s

family members. After 12 years as a nurse I have experienced various situations where I have

had to advocate for patients. In my practice as a nurse leader I will continue to serve as a patient

advocate by educating my patients first and supporting whatever decisions they decide to make,

whether my personal opinions align with theirs or not.

Leadership Philosophy

As I continue in my nursing career, I will apply the things I have learned in this course to

become a better leader. I will work collaboratively with all the members of the healthcare team

as well as the patient. I will always take into consideration the opinions and feelings of all those

involved. I will continue to hone my communication and delegation skills. I will continue to

educate myself and provide input on nurse led quality improvements whenever I am able. I will

always strive to be the best advocate for my patients. I will educate them so they cam make

informed decisions and vow to support them in those decisions, regardless of my own feelings or

opinions.
Leadership Philosophy

References
American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination. (2013). Nursing Leadership
Management and Leadership Styles. https://www.aanac.org/docs/white-papers/2013-nursing-
leadership---management-leadership-styles.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Curtis, E., De Vries, J., & Sheerin, F. (2011). Developing leadership in nursing: exploring core
factors. British Journal of Nursing, 20(5), 306-309
Finkelman, A. (2016). Leadership and management for nurses core competencies for quality
care (3rd ed.).
Mitchell, G. (2013). Selecting the best theory to implement planned change. Nursing
Management, 20 (1), 32-37
Orchard, C., Sonibare, O., Morse, A., Collins, J., & Al-Hamad, A. (2017). Collaborative
leadership, part 1: the nirse leader’s role within interprofessional teams. Nursing Leadership, 30
(2), 15-25
Shafer, L., & Gillaspie Aziz, M. (2013, July-August). Shaping a unit’s culture through effective
nurse-led quality improvement. MedSurg Nursing, 22(4), 229-236
Vines, M., Dupler, A., Van Son, C., & Guido, G. (2014, July/August). Improving Client and
Nurse Satisfaction Through the Utilization of Bedside Report. Journal of Nurses in Professional
Development, 30(4), 166-173